Political Correspondent
Matabeleland North Province senator, Sengezo Tshabangu has made shocking allegations that contractors working on the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road have diverted funds meant for the project to their own use, resulting in the project’s failure to complete after 31 years.
Tshabangu, leader of the opposition in Parliament and self appointed interim Secretary General of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change party (CCC), revealed this during a virtual discussion organized by Bubi Community Parliament (BCP) on Tuesday.
He stated that the project, which began in 1993, has only seen 65km of the 158km stretch completed, with a mere 2km done per year.
“This project has been ongoing for 31 years, and it’s sad to see that only 65km has been completed. At this rate, it will take 90 years to finish,” Tshabangu lamented.
He accused contractors of having no history or track record of meeting international standards, and alleged that five companies involved in the project had been engaged in corrupt activities, abusing funds meant for the project.
Tshabangu called on people from Matabeleland to form companies to construct the road, citing the successful example of the Old Gwanda Road, which was tendered to local companies.
Nkayi South legislator Jabulani Hadebe (Citizens Coalition for Change) also expressed shock and sadness at the project’s delays, highlighting the marginalization of the region.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanini balo” catchphrase was criticized by Hadebe, who challenged the government to stop blocking opposition parties from conducting development projects.
The construction of the 158km road, which started in 1993, was supposed to be completed by 1999. However, the project has been plagued by delays and allegations of corruption.
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